Police partner with intelligence platform to tackle shoplifting

Devon and Cornwall Police have stated that they are launching a new partnership with Auror, a software development company, to improve their response to organised retail crime across the region. 

The force has said the initiative will help police identify prolific offenders, strengthen investigations, and better support businesses affected by theft.

According to Devon and Cornwall Police, they will be the first force in the country to enable direct reporting through Auror, with a force-wide rollout planned for officers and staff. 

They have said that the platform will provide critical intelligence to help tackle shoplifting more effectively.

Superintendent Emma Butler Jones, Head of Prevention and Local Policing, said: “Direct reporting to the police through the Auror platform has revolutionised how we tackle business crime in Devon and Cornwall. Auror not only allows us to investigate more efficiently but also provides unprecedented access to intelligence across a vast area, enabling us to detect more crimes and reduce harm to our victims.”

Devon and Cornwall Police have reported that crime reports submitted through Auror are processed on average 8.5 times faster than traditional methods, allowing investigations to progress more quickly.

The force has also stated that charge and offender outcome rates for crimes reported via the platform are between six and seven per cent higher. 

They have attributed this to a more efficient reporting process.

The police have also said that intelligence from Auror has contributed to court orders designed to reduce reoffending, with these orders often carrying higher sentences.

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “All traders, especially small businesses, are key to thriving towns and city centres, so we must do our utmost to make Devon and Cornwall a safe place to do business. The roll-out of this new system will help the police to build a picture to ensure offenders are brought to justice and ultimately help identify the worst offenders more easily.”

Devon and Cornwall Police have encouraged businesses to use the Auror platform to report shoplifting incidents, stating that consistent reporting will help them target resources more effectively.

The force has emphasised that business crime is under-reported and that working with businesses and communities is key to reducing crime.

The police have reminded the public that crime can be reported online, via the 101 non-emergency service, or anonymously through CrimeStoppers.